Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 69Our goal to lose a few pounds must mean more to us than the craving for excess food.We must remember that the benefits of proper body size far outweigh obesity. So wewill say “No” to our desires.The value of discipline reaches into every day activities – such as, getting out ofbed in the morning – carrying out the garbage – or washing windows. We can bringour body under control and do what we ought to do --- what is in line with the goalswe set. If we value our commitments enough, then saying “No” or “Yes” will be doingwhat we really want --- long term!Our momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals.Paul had his body in control. He said, “But I buffet my body – [keep it under control] -- andmake it my slave, lest possible, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified”(1 Corinthians 9:27).Our Will Is Our “Want to”The invisible is more valuable then the visible. It is good to set priorities, to havegoals. But what about our “want to”--- our will? How are we going to hold to thesegoals we are setting that fit into our belief about God’s will for our life?Setting good goals is not easy. And staying with them is even harder yet. As aChristian we need and have available the help of God as we seek to do His will. Andyet it is just at this point --- of our will and God’s will --- that there is conflict.The struggle between our self-will and God’s will is intense. We were born withthe desire to control our own destiny, to do “our own thing.” Consequently, our fallenwill is adept at making choices in harmony with our pride, independence, and selfdetermination.We resist the idea that God should rule over us, particularly when Hebegins to meddle in our private affairs.We don’t want to submit our plans to a higher authority for approval. If we“want to” spend time watching television – then, that ought to be our decision. Or if weare skimpy in giving our money to the Lord’s work, that is our business. Entrusting ourself wholly to God seems rather impractical. If we don’t take care of our self, who will?We have to look out for Number One!It is just this kind of attitude that needs to learn obedience and humility. Usuallywe think that the human will must be strengthened, but paradoxically we becomestronger only when we become weaker! When we surrender our will to God, we finallydiscover the resources to do what God requires. As we give our self to Him, we receiveHis power.When we are at the end of our rope, God is there to catch us --- but not before!David knew that the most he could offer God was a yielded will. He wrote, “The